Pennsylvania campers worship God 'among his creation'

Chaplains in the Park provides worship services at state parks in Pennsylvania

Thomas Lucas, of Lake Meade, reads along during outdoor worship services at Codorus State Park. The worship services are on Sundays Memorial Day through Labor Day and are hosted by Chaplains in the Park. (Clare Becker — For the Daily Record)

Chaplain Jason Lyons makes a point during his sermon at the outdoor service at Codorus State Park. Lyons is one of many chaplains who spend their weekends on the campground, visiting campers and hosting activities on Saturdays. (Clare Becker — For the Daily Record)

Doug Kennedy knew that if he wanted a taste of his soon-to-be career as a minister, he had to dive into any opportunity that came his way.

So when the 21-year-old Newville man heard about Chaplains in the Park, it provided him the chance to lead a congregation before he graduates next year from Eastern University with a degree in biblical studies.

Chaplains in the Park, a program organized by the PA Council of Churches, leads Sunday worship services at state parks throughout Pennsylvania.

The program started in 1960 and services have been hosted at Gifford Pinchot State Park since 1969. Services also are held at Codorus State Park.

Every Friday at noon, Kennedy arrives at Gifford Pinchot and settles in for the weekend. He visits with campers, learning their names and inviting them not only to the 9:30 a.m. Sunday service, but to Saturday activities.

This past weekend, Kennedy said, he met several people over a few rounds of playing board games while they sipped coffee and nibbled pastries.

The attendance for each service varies. During the Fourth of July weekend, there were just 25 people in the wooden pews, Kennedy said. The next weekend, there were 90.

"It doesn't always depend on how many people are actually camping in the park," Kennedy said. "It's based more on the individual interest."

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Glenn Wallick, 61, has been an usher at Gifford Pinchot for three years. He and his wife started attending the services about 14 years ago while they work as campground hosts, staying on site in exchange for their services to the park.

He's met people from all over the state who come to enjoy nature and yet still want to attend a weekly service.

"It's really beautiful," Wallick said. "You're sitting out in nature, with the open sky, and when you hear those birds sing you just can't imagine it getting any better."

A man follows along with a Bible reading during a worship service at Codorus State Park. The services are mostly attended by frequent campers, but people from the community also are welcome to attend. (Clare Becker — For the Daily Record)

Kennedy opens each service with a prayer and the congregation then sings along to a few familiar songs. There's no live band at Gifford Pinchot, but Kennedy had a friend record piano music that he plays over a speaker.

At Codorus State Park, Faith Alive, a local band, leads the worship for those in attendance.

It really just depends on your resources, Kennedy said.

The weather has worked out so far this summer, sometimes leaving nothing but a little drizzle of rain to cool the campers who sit and worship, he added.

"In the beginning, humanity had a special relationship with nature and walking through it with God," Kennedy said. "It's nice to be reminded of that simplicity again."

Contact Rebecca Hanlon at 717-771-2088.

Steve Spangler greets those seated around him during the service at Codorus State Park. Spangler is also a guitar player with Faith Alive, the band that provides music for the worship program. (Clare Becker — For the Daily Record)

A dog sits patiently during the Sunday service. Animals are welcome to attend, said Chaplain Jason Lyons. (Clare Becker — For the Daily Record)